Talent or Innovation?
With exhibits such as Abstract Expressionism and Other Modern Works, one cannot help but wonder what constitutes an artwork as “abstract” and not just some random paint spills. Muriel Kallis Steinberg Newman, collector of the paintings and sculptures shown in the exhibit, was introduced to the world of art collection through her husband Jay Z. Steinberg. As a practicing painter herself, she has appreciation for the contemporary artists and her collection demonstrates that appreciation through its wide array of reputable artists. Her collection is recognized as one of the finest collection of American Abstract Expressionism.
Abstract art is defined as “art that does not depict objects in the natural world, but instead uses color and form in a non-representational way.”
Some works found in the exhibit, such as William de Kooning’s “Naked woman” (from his 1949’s major project “Attic”) and Jackson Pollock’s “#28,” clearly follow this definition.